Well, it wasn’t pretty, but the Boston Celtics got the job done. Again. Jayson Tatum went full superhero mode, and Jaylen Brown backed him up as the Celtics put the Magic on life support.
Truth be told, the Celtics are on the verge of closing out their first-round series against the Orlando Magic. But after a ballistic performance from Jayson Tatum in Game 4 (37 points and 14 boards—no big deal), we’ve got to ask: Will he and Jaylen Brown come through in Game 5 to seal the deal and wrap up the series? It’s like a movie where we know the climax is coming, but the question is: will the stars show up, or is this one of those “will-they-won’t-they” storylines?
So let’s talk about Jayson Tatum first. The dude’s been playing like he’s in a different weight class—Game 4 was a clinic. He was all over the court, handling business like it was a Tuesday pickup game. And guess what? He’s up for Game 5. As of now, no issues. Unless something changes last minute—like, I don’t know, pulls a muscle stretching during warm-ups (knock on wood)—he’s in. And thank the basketball gods for that, because if Boston’s going to close this series, Tatum’s going to be the one holding the pen to write the final chapter.
Now, here’s where things get a little dicey. Jaylen Brown’s knee is making Celtics fans break a sweat. The man is questionable for Game 5. And, let’s be real, that’s a problem. If Brown doesn’t suit up, Boston’s going to have to scramble. Don’t get me wrong, the Celtics have a deep roster, but Brown’s ability to play both sides of the ball at an elite level is huge. Whether it’s his slashing to the rim or his lockdown defense, losing him in the lineup could be like trying to run a race without your shoes. Yeah, you can still get by, but it’s going to hurt.
Joining him is also Jrue Holiday, still listed as Out for Game 5 as he continues to deal with a strained right hamstring for the third straight game.
Injury Report for tomorrow vs. Orlando:
Jaylen Brown (right knee posterior impingement) – QUESTIONABLE
Jrue Holiday (right hamstring strain) – OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 28, 2025
So, right now, Brown’s knee is a ticking time bomb. One minute he’s questionable, the next minute it could be “Hey, I’m good to go.” But right now, it’s not looking like a sure thing.
Depth Chart Breakdown For Game 5: Who’s Holding It Down?
So, if Jaylen Brown can’t go, who’s going to pick up the slack? The Celtics have some pieces to work with, and while they’re deep, losing Brown isn’t something you can just brush off. Here’s what Boston’s depth chart looks like:
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Derrick White
Jrue Holiday (O)
Payton Pritchard
SG
Jrue Holiday (O)
Payton Pritchard
Jaylen Brown (DD)
SF
Jaylen Brown (DD)
Sam Hauser
Jayson Tatum
PF
Jayson Tatum
Al Horford
Sam Hauser
C
Kristaps Porzingis
Luke Kornet
Neemias Queta
If Jaylen Brown’s in street clothes for Game 5, it’s Tatum’s show. No debate. He’ll need to go full alpha while the rest of the crew holds it down. The good news? Boston’s still got size and grit. Porziņģis is locking the paint. Horford’s flashing that old-man strength. Derrick White? Low-key clutch all series. Even with Jrue Holiday banged up, the backcourt can still clamp when it counts.
But don’t sleep on the Magic. These guys are letting it fly. Banchero and Franz Wagner are splashing threes and stretching the floor. If they stay hot? Things could turn around quick! And on the boards? Wendell Carter Jr. is eating. Too many second chances, and Boston’s control starts slipping. Clean the glass or get burned—simple as that.
At the end of the day, Boston still holds the cards—home court, more playoff reps, and a dude named Jayson Tatum, who just dropped 37 like it was a light jog. But if Jaylen Brown stays questionable and the Magic keep out-hustling the Cs on the glass and from distance, Game 5 might be less “wrap it up” and more “hold on tight.” Either way, buckle up—this series might have one more twist before the curtain drops!
The post Are Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Playing in Celtics vs. Magic Game 5? Exploring Injury Report for Stars’ Status appeared first on EssentiallySports.
